This is getting ridicuous

This is getting ridicuous
Current mood: aggravated

I wrote this earlier today when I wa sin a much better mood, before getting screwed by departments that refuse to talk amongst themselves... for the seocnd time. I was looking forward to coming home tonight. Now, I'll be home later tomorrow.. and thankfully they were so nice to book the center seat in the back fo the airplane for me... for 10 hours... I think I may die. Anyways, enjoy the following... I think i'll order a $20 burger and charge it to the company.

So, here we are again. Grace used to send epistles on her treks around Europe,. I'm not doing nearly as much of a grand tour as she did. It's been about 5 years since I've been to the continent for any length of time. And this is my first time visiting Germany (for more than an hour at the airport). There are good things and bad things. Although I've managed to increase my German reading skills immensely, I'm still way behind on the conversational German. Honestly, sounds like a lot of throat clearing.

Let us look at Cologne, or Koln. The major attraction best I can observe is the cathedral. Apparently it's the only thing the allies didn't bomb to small pieces in the war. I have to believe we missed intentionally, because we couldn't possibly have not hit it without trying. It's amazingly huge, rivaling Notre Dame. Though it seemed more dark and gothic. Outside the Dom (German for cathedral), there was the first of the Christmas markets encountered. And let me give you a weather brief, the first night it was cold and misty. Generally miserable, but the Germans were out in force. The second night it was just cold and windy, and there were even more out and about. It was very festive. I'm not used to being outside in the cold when not having to be, and they seem to enjoy it. Could have been the Gluhwien.

So, today I took a trip over to Brussels. Due to a snafu, I no longer have a seat on the flight home from CGN. But it's a quick train ride over to BRU. And really, a trip to Europe is not complete with out a train ride. I really enjoy the trains here, they are much more relaxed than flying. None of the insane security and the hassle. And it by the time you factor in all the lines at an airport, the train is usually faster and cheaper. It was 41 Euros, or about $60 for a 3 hour train ride. Its comfortable, and you here every language on the continent being spoken.

Best part of the train rides have been the scenery. You see the country side. And it's much better than just flying over it. And in my experience Europe is usually cloudy, so this is about the only way you see the countryside. If you get the chance, come over, plan a train ride somewhere. You can grab a beverage of choice, put on some headphones and just stare out the windows. Chances are you'll either fall asleep or meet some one nice alone the way.

So here I sit in the hotel bar in Brussels (or since I'm all about using the local vernacular… Bruxelles). I'm spending my last 5 Euros on a Stella Artois (hey, I'm in Belgium). I don't even know what my budgeting on this trip went like, I really haven't been paying attention. Mainly because I have the money and secondly because I'm getting paid plus per diem for this little jaunt.

I just noticed the bar at the hotel is called the the Cockpit Bar… hrrmm.

So the other thing I like to do when I get over here is not be a tourist, but be a traveler. There's a difference. Think of a tourist being the person always lost staring at a map, and in the case of most Americans, being really annoying to the locals. Being a traveler is being some one a little savvy to the local ways and language, and who blends in a little but people still know your not from around here. Your polite and understanding and take the normal language and cultural differences in stride. At the end of the day, you've probably learned something about the place your at but the people your around.

So, I think I managed well in Cologne, people would ask me directions… in German. I would politely say excuse me, and they would ask again in English. Oddly enough, I knew the answers most times. That's the way I like to move around. I'm always trying to just blend in.

So, I learned Germans like American football. I even discussed the NFL with an English bartender in an Irish pub in a German city. I find that amusing. Got to talk some travel ideas with a German bartender at the Bier Museum, and found out she just was offered a job that day in an advertising firm. Her sister in Chicago was going to be very excited about it.

I also noticed that German girls really like "hooker" boots. And I really like German girls in hooker boots. It's a great compromise.

So it's fair to say that these last couple trips really haven't done much to remedy that travel urge I've had of late. Instead, I want to see more and go new places. I think some one should come with me next time though. Any takers?

Guten Tag

So while I'm waiting for the work website to load, I thought I'd drop a note. Cologne is a nice town, everything seems to center around the Cathedral.. which is huge and some how didn't get bombed during the war. And inside it's amazing.

I've found a nice Irish pub, and hit the Beir Museum and the Chocolate museum. I liked the beir one better. Done some browing around the Christmas markets, which are areally kinda neat. I don't think anyone works or goes to school here, its noon and the entire city seems to be out shopping. Of course the sun goes down at 4:30 so I suppose they have to get out early to see the sun.

Other neat things, bratswurst everywhere, have some Gluhwien (warm wine with a shot of rum or ameretto... warms u up inside), and German TV. Nice. You know how we get those late night phone sex commercials with the girls in skimpy clothes telling you to call. Well, they have the same thing here, except remove the skimpy clothes. It's porn ... on regular channels. I'm managing around not knowing the language, and it helps most people seem to speak english enough to sell me things.

There's a change in my schedule, due to unforeseen circumstances, looks like i'm taking the train to Brussels tomorrow morning and flying home from there. So chalk up anohter country this month. Well, I have to send some emails to the boss and finalize the plan for my trip home. Its such a pain but I'm used to being flexible in travel. And after that, beir!

Auf Wiedersehen

Fly me to the moon...

Strange days...

So, this is coming live from JFK airport in New York. I've manage to not only sniff out a wireless network to jump onto but find a handy window for airplane viewing. And as much as I enjoy watching airplanes at good old ATL, there's so much more variety here. In the time it took me to log on, a Saudia 747 and an Alitalia MD-11 have taken flight. So I'm managing to satisfy my inner airplane nerd and my inner cyber nerd at the same time. I only wish the network connection worked in the Sam Adams brewpub here... I would never leave.

So I got up this morning after way too little sleep. But I did manage to convert my 10 hour shift into a 6 hour shift last night. I think thats fair for having an 8 AM flight scheduled after being on shift till 3 AM. ANd i had a committment I just didn't want to get out of yesterday afternoon.

SO anyways, it turns out in an odd twist of coincidence I used to work with Tanya's older brother back in the old FedEx days. I was wondering why he stared at me when he came in the apartment. I mean besides the obvious jealousy that he's not me. It was one of those 'small world' moments. If I would have only known how hot his sister was back then, I may have tried to hang out more.

I've been busy at home. Well, not really, but I have managed to get gifts not only bought, but wrapped already!!! And my spiffy little tree is all decorated, and the apartment itself has taken on some festive flourishes. Yes, I think I'm getting that Christmas spirit. Yet I still have no idea what to get mom.

I'm thinking of maybe having some people over to experience my festive abode, and possibly buy an sweater with a reindeer on the front... ok not so much on the reindeer sweater. My jubulance does have bounds. I'm thinking thursday after my triumphant return from Germany, but we'll see. It won;t be a full blown party, mostly becase alot of people will be working. Maybe I can just have the whole harem assemble for a meeting. Then add some copious ammounts of alcohol and see what kind of festive cheer they spread. Stay tuned.

There's a freakin pigeon walking around the gate area I'm in.... only in NY.

So, a little bit of aviation history... the Delta terminal i'm currently sitting in was once the Pan American World Airways Worldport. It was built back in 19.. and was that starting point for many journeys for the armada that once carried the signature "Blue Globe" to the far corners of the world. Its just kinda neat to think about how many people caught their first glimpse of America in this building.

All Nippon AIrways B-777... cool

OK, thats my historical moment for the day, I'm off to find some lunch before heading over to the Lufty cargo terminal for my ride out. I can't say i'm looking forward to the flight, the seat is going to be hella uncomfy and their doing pilot training. But the price is right. I'll be in touch.

Standing on the edge of the Cliffs of Insanity, amd I'm ready to jump Current mood: awake

Its currently 6:07 AM on a Wednesday morning. Y'all may be askin why I'm awake and typing a blog... and I'm pretty wondering the same thing myself. I woke up about 40 minutes ago, and my first reaction was... OH shit I slept through Wednesday. Then I realized it's the morning. I wanna go back to sleep, but for some reason that won't happen until about noon or so... which kinda blows.

I was told the other night by some one that since her life was crazy, she was going to make mine the same. Too late! As much as I'm enjoying actually having things to do and plans to look forward too, its starting to get a little overwhelming. Christmas is coming, and you wanna find that perfect gift that's jsut going to make that person smil uncontrollably. And i tend to suck at that. The biggest problem is mom, what do u get the person who has everything and wants nothing (at least thats what she says). ANy ideas?

Otherwise, i think its going to be a slow lazy day, as opposed to the active melee's i've been experiencing (ha). I do have some cleaning that needs to be done but I'm just not in the mood for it. I vacuumed this week, isn;t that enough. If i had more money I wouldn't do laundry, I'd just buy new clothes. Well, maybe not, I hate shopping.

Which is one reason I like Christmas, people buy things for me!! Saves me the trouble. Its not that i demand gifts, it just takes the pressure off or me to go to stores and figure out what I want. And its nice to be surprised. For all the faults, A always did the best at getting me surrpise gifts. I always got something I wasn't expecting but really loved. The surprise is the best part.

Did you know the only TV on at 6 am is infomercials and news?? Both of which I really don't like. But I have found BBC World news, which is by far more interesting too me than the local stories.... who lost a dog or what not.

I think I'm gonna wrap this up. Maybe I'll finish my water and try to get some more sleep. I'm off to moms house this evening to pick up Christmas decorations.

You put the "u" in douche bag

You put the "u" in douche bag
Current mood: chipper

I really don't anything to say, or any new exciting news. But I heard the line in a song last night and I just couldn't let it go by with immortalizing it as a blog subject.

Yesterday was a good day. The training thing I went to was most interesting and very infromative. Which hasn't been te norm for training in the past. And this wasn't so much a training class as an intro for the ground school instructors as to what they are covering in the next year. I met some pilots and we had an after class debrief, which was very educational.

I did have issues the night before sleeping, I woke up at 5 am and was wide awake. That sucked.

After the debreifing i went to help Grace with her recovery from the major foot surgery. OK, it apparently wasn't that major, but I was amused by her "yes" and "no" instructions, and that re-affirms my faith in the medical industry when u have to write on the leg to show which one should be operated on. SHe seemed to be well on the way to recovery when I left.

I took my leave and spent a fabulous night in the Highlands with Elise. The beer flowed, the fries were delicious, and the live entertainment was... well.. best i can say was he was alive. Though he did have some nuggets of wisdom in his music (see the subject line) but for the most part it wasn't my thing.

The second bar (Atkins) was much better. I do miss living up there.

Today, its nice out. I think i may take in some coffee and reading, is freakin cold! I'm also happy I managed to budget myself well and won't have an overdrawn checking account if my rent check clears before Friday. That makes me happy.

Tonight should be fun. I'm taking Elise and Jersey to experience a fun and different kinda of evening. I hope they enjoy, everyone else has walked away with a big smile... I aim to keep my harem satisfied. Tahts enough rambling. I'm going to go amuse myself for a couple hours.

This blog has no sunject

Here we go again. its Friday here in my world, and I can;t be happier I don;t have to come to work tomorrow. Though, like a dumbass I volunteered to go to a training session with pilots on Monday. But I do get a free lunch and some easy OT. And things should be interestig.. i just found out the federales will be there... no pressure.

But its only from 930 till 1520, so thats not too bad. Possibly beers after wards! I hope y'all know I've had 2 adult beverages since I returned from Vegas... thats coming up on 2 weeks. I'm going through withdrawals! I suppose that going to a dry country on vacation really isn't my thing.

And i hope you all know as I type this the airline is cumbling around me. None of it is my fault and there's nothing i can do about it. But it is disconcerting (my word of the week) that we can't seem to keep an operation running.

And now, my check engine light is on. I checked it, it's still there, so thats good. Luckily it came on after i had my emissions test and I really don't have to clear it for a year! I just know that its going to probably cost a small fortune. I love my car and I really would like it to not fall apart on me.

And today I also noticed that my credit limit on one of the czards has been increased... great. They have no idea how much self control I don't have. I'll owe my soul to Bank Of America before its over. I think I have a new plan for managing my debt. It involves scissors.

I think mo is going to graciously donate Christmas paraphernalia to my cause, in exchange for taking the Christmas decorations down out fo the attic. I should throwa party for everyone to come over and decorate my apartment... and serve festive drinks. Hrrmmmm. I must ponder this.

lets try this again, for the 45th time

Let me start by saying this is the second time I'm typing this. And I was really happy with the first version. Lets hope I can recreate the literary masterpiece that myspace obliterated...

OK, I don't know how many of my loyal readers have ever played with guns. I know your not suppose to but we do. But have you ever had one aimed at you? How about 2? And you just knew there was a round in the chamber and the safety was off? Now, it's disconcerting at best. And well. now lets raise the stakes and make that gun a M60 machine gun, you know the kind they have to mount to something more sturdy than a 6'5" US Marine bcause he can't hold it and fire it without being knocked down by the recoil.

I think you get the picture.

I can say now that it's happened to me. On departing Kuwait, we enter through the air base side. I've been on a f ew military installations stateside, but never like this. Brings it all home that people are dying en mass just a 100 miles away or so. We're not in Kansas anymore.

Lets see if I can paint a picture for you. You have to go through several checkpoints to get from the road to the ramp where the planes are parking. Various ID's are checked at each gate. And then there's the one where they put you behind a concrete barrier and go over your vehicle for 10 minutes or so for explosives and contraband. And past each gate are these little towers. They're not well hid or camoflauged... it being a desert i think a tree would be more a give away than just putting up the towers.

Whats in thses towers? Well, judging from the barrels pointing out of them, a M60 and a soldier who knows how to use it. And why have one when you can have two. And it's not like they are pointing away from you while they check your ID. They're pretty much watching for you to do something stupid.

And I tend to do stupid things often... so no quick movements for me. And i did kinda wonder how fast I could be shredded should he suddenly catch his sleeve on the trigger by accident. And then, if these aren't enough, there are Hummers driving around with the machine gun turrets on the top... manned and ready.

And while I never really felt any danger the whole time in Kuwait City, its a vivid reminder that right up the road there is a war going on and people are dying daily. Yet I do think we are doing some good, and so did most of the troops I talked to. (One kid who was holding a gun while he watched me was based at Maxwell in Montgomery... the old Southwind reheasal mecca). I can only hope for a speedy exit form this war without much more bloodshed.

Well, back to the real world. Jersey left today for Jersey. Convenient. And most everyone is working. So i'm not missing out on a lot of fun happeneing I don't think. Next off days I'm home doing not alot, I think I may do some deocrating around the house. I'm really up for some festiveness and holiday cheer. And I actually have bought most the Christmas presents I'm buying this year. There's a possibilty they may get wrapped before Christmas Eve. I know, i'm way ahead this year. But no one get excited, the gifts aren't that great!